Diamond Engagement Ring Size on Finger

The calculations below are based on the average finger size of 6.5 which equals 16.9mm (or 17mm to make the math easier). If your finger is larger than a size 6.5, the diamond will look a little smaller than described below. If your finger is smaller than a size 6.5, your diamond will look larger than described in each description below.

0.50-carat engagement ring on a finger

Assuming that the average finger width (based on a size 6.5 finger size) is 17mm, a 0.50-carat diamond will appear to cover 30% of the width of the finger. A round-cut 0.50-carat diamond has a width of 5.2mm.

The 0.50-carat diamond is the smallest diamond that is typically used in a solitaire mounting. In general, our jewelry experts always recommend setting diamonds under 0.70-carats with a halo of diamonds surrounding it.

1-carat engagement ring on a finger

Assuming that the average finger width is 17mm, a 1-carat diamond will appear to cover 38.2% of the width of the finger. A round-cut 1-carat diamond has a width of 6.5mm.

The 1-carat diamond has enough size to typically look noticeable on the finger. It is usually the starting milestone size for anyone looking to get a serious diamond. The 1ct diamond covers more than 1/3 of the width of the finger.

1.50-carat engagement ring on a finger

Assuming that the average finger width is 17mm, a 1.50-carat diamond will appear to cover 43.5% of the width of the finger. A round-cut 1.50-carat diamond has a width of 7.4mm.

As you can see in the photo below, the 1.50-carat is already considered a comfortably sized diamond. It is still very popular for 1.50-carat diamonds to be surrounded by a halo of diamonds, but 1.50 is already large enough for the center diamond to stand proudly on its own.

2-carat engagement ring on a finger

Assuming that the average finger width is 17mm, a 2-carat diamond will appear to cover 48.2% of the width of the finger. A round-cut 2-carat diamond has a width of 8.15mm.

The 2-carat engagement ring fills up almost the width of half the finger. It is prominent and bold. Like the 1.50-carat diamond, it doesn’t need a halo, but a halo will still add to the 2-carats presentation.

2.50-carat engagement ring on a finger

Assuming that the average finger width is 17mm, a 2.50-carat diamond will appear to cover 51.4% of the width of the finger. A round-cut 2.50-carat diamond has a width of 8.70mm.

The 2.50-carat diamond will fill up more than half the width of your finger. This sized diamond is already considered large. A halo would add to the diamond, but is necessary at all to add to the illusion.

5-carat engagement ring on a finger

Assuming that the average finger width is 17mm, a 5-carat diamond will cover 64.5% of the width of the finger. A round-cut 5-carat diamond has a width of 10.90mm.

A 5-carat diamond is large and stunning. This diamond size in not for someone unassuming who wouldn’t want anyone to notice their ring. It won’t cover your entire finger (an 18-carat diamond will), but it will look bold and lovely.

Understanding the Above Pictures

This picture shows a 1.13-Carat Diamond with a Halo of sapphires surrounding it

A diamond is a beautiful stone regardless of size, shape, or placement, but when sizing an engagement ring on a finger, each stone needs to be taken into consideration. Obviously, hand sizes and finger widths can be different, so understanding how a ring will look from an image is a complex matter.

To help, we’ve provided a brief explanation of the factors at play, as well as a few pictures of differently sized rings being worn so you can visualize how a ring might look on you.

Diamonds Sizes

Watch a video that shows how big different sized diamonds appear on the finger

Diamonds are measured in carats, which refer to the weight of the stone. One carat is approximately one-fifth of a gram or 200 milligrams. Diamond carats are typically measured in increments of 0.25. A stone could measure anywhere between a fraction of a carat to multiple carats. Unfortunately, those numbers are somewhat meaningless until you can see the stone in an engagement ring on a finger.

Ring Settings

A vintage solitaire engagement ring traditionally consists of a single stone in a simple mounting. The solitaire ring focuses all the attention entirely on the beauty of the diamond. Some prefer to adorn a single diamond with smaller stones to create a halo. Halos give an increased sense of size and brilliance when looking at the engagement ring on a finger.

Diamonds can also prong-set or bezel-set. A prong set ring is held in place with small metal prongs and bezel-set rings are encased in metal. The popular, prong-set, single solitaire vintage engagement ring was first popularized by Tiffany and Co. in the 1880s. A bezel setting will run around the entire perimeter of the diamond.

Finding The Right Size

Cost, style preference, and of course, an individual’s finger dimensions all naturally factor into the decision when buying a ring. That’s why seeing an engagement ring on a finger is much more useful than looking at loose stones or pictures of jewelry when shopping for engagement rings. To help you visualize how some commonly sized rings would look on your finger before you enter the showroom, we’ve included the images below.

The Ultimate Test

Of course, the best way to determine how an engagement ring will look and fit on your finger is to try it on in person. Visit us at our showroom in midtown New York, or try out our home viewing program, and we’ll be happy to help.

Everyone’s finger size is different. Something as simple as the shape of your hand may change the illusion of the size of the diamond on your finger. If you want to know with certainty how large a particular diamond ring will appear, you will need to try it on.

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Benjamin Khordipour is one of the researchers and gemologists at Estate Diamond Jewelry. He received his gemological degrees from both GIA and GUBELIN.

Benjamin was born in New York and joined Estate Diamond Jewelry in 2014. He is passionate about vintage jewelry and vintage diamonds. This blog was built based on his strong belief that there is a responsibility for jewelers to properly educate their customers.